Lung scintiscanning and pulmonary angiography

Pulmonary angiography and lung scintiscanning, which are mainly indicated in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, are often considered as competitive methods. Lung scintiscanning, as combined method consisting of perfusion scintigraph and ventilation scintigraph, is when combined with X-ray thorax examination and accurate method not imposing any discomfort on the patient. It is considered a screening examination and can be used without difficulty. Pulmonary angiography, which today with advanced DSA equipment implies definitely fewer risks than with the former conventional way, is indicated in the case of doubtful findings of lung scanning, sever embolism in case history, recurring embolism with severe emphysema, expected risks of a therapy with anticoagulants, but first and foremost with severe or fulminating forms of pulmonary embolism or if some intervening therapy is desired. Today both methods complement each excellently. (orig.)